Symptoms reviewed
- Urgency
- Frequency
- Urge incontinence or leakage
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the bladder wall are an effective, NICE-approved treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence in patients who have not responded adequately to lifestyle changes and oral medication. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, performs bladder Botox injections at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Botulinum toxin A is injected directly into the detrusor (bladder wall) muscle via a cystoscope. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals that trigger involuntary bladder contractions, reducing urgency, frequency and urgency incontinence. Effects typically last 6 to 9 months, after which the treatment can be repeated.
Bladder Botox is performed under local anaesthetic (with oral sedation if preferred) or general anaesthetic as a day-case procedure. A flexible or rigid cystoscope is used to pass a thin needle into the bladder and deliver approximately 20 injections of Botox into the bladder muscle. The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients can go home the same day.
Clinical trial data demonstrate that bladder Botox significantly reduces episodes of urgency incontinence and OAB symptoms, with approximately 65% of patients achieving complete continence. It is a NICE-approved treatment for OAB refractory to conservative measures and oral medication.
The main risk is difficulty emptying the bladder completely (urinary retention), occurring in approximately 6% of patients. A small proportion of patients may require temporary clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) until the effects of the Botox wear off. This is discussed with all patients before proceeding.
No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.
Consultant-led private urology care
Bladder Botox injections may be considered for selected patients with overactive bladder symptoms, urgency or leakage after assessment and discussion of alternatives.
Bladder Botox is not the first step for every patient. Mr Shahzad will discuss whether symptoms fit an overactive bladder pattern and whether additional investigations are needed before treatment.
Bladder Botox may be considered for selected patients with overactive bladder symptoms after specialist assessment. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad provides consultant-led private urology care for patients across Birmingham, Worcestershire and the West Midlands.
Page reviewed on 2026-06-24. Medical decisions require individual specialist assessment.
Yes. Private appointments with Mr Syed Ali Shahzad can be requested through Yasmin Khan for assessment and discussion of bladder Botox injections suitability.
Self-pay patients do not need a GP referral. Insured patients should check their policy and obtain authorisation where required.
Appointments are available across Birmingham, Worcestershire and the West Midlands, with location availability confirmed at booking.